Police hunt for 'illegal immigrant hit and run driver' after chef, 23, was knocked down and killed

Police are hunting a suspected illegal immigrant in connection with a hit-and-run collision that killed a young chef as he walked home.

Kalan Fletcher from Keymer, West Sussex,was found lying on the A273 London Road in nearby Hassocks early on Saturday morning.

It is thought the 23-year-old, who worked in a cafe, had been walking home after a night out with friends when he was hit by a white Ford Transit van.

Police want to speak to Imran Shaukat, left, in connection with a hit and run where

 Kalan Fletcher, right, was left dead at a roadside near Worthing 

Police and paramedics arrived at around 4.40am but he had already died from his injuries.

Sussex Police said they want to speak to Imran Shaukat in connection with the incident.

The 26-year-old is suspected to have been driving the van when Mr Fletcher was hit.

 

On Sunday, detectives found the vehicle dumped in an industrial estate in Worthing, 10 miles away.

Shaukat, whose last known address was in Worthing, is a Pakistani national living illegally in the UK, according to a police source.

The source said he came to the country on a student visa but stayed on after it expired.

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: 'We cannot comment on his immigration status or give any other details while investigations are ongoing.

'However, we are assisting with the police investigation.' 

On his Facebook page, Mr Fletcher described himself as 'lively, bouncy, happy, always smiling.' 

Friends posted emotional tributes online as they learnt of his death, and neighbours laid flowers at the scene of the crash.

Abbey Widdup wrote: 'Can't believe it... such tragic news. you were such a lovely guy and always made me laugh! you will be sadly missed babe! RIP kalan xxx.' 

Amanda Rapley wrote: 'I just can't put into words how shocked I am. I going to miss your cheeky smile, your crazy stories. So carefree! I envied that :) You lived life to it's fullest. You'll be sorely missed. x' 

Another neighbour said: 'I am so stunned hearing about this today. We knew the young man and he had his whole life ahead of him.

'He was a hard worker with a great sense of humour and never let anything get him down.

'I can't begin to imagine how his family feel right now.

'If you have any idea who was involved you must report this. How could anyone do this and drive off? 'Sleep tight luv, and God bless you.' 

Sussex Police's Inspector Steve Grace said: 'We believe that Mr Shaukat may hold vital information which will assist officers with their enquiries into this tragic incident.

'Mr Shaukat was last known to be living in Worthing. I would appeal for him to contact police as soon as possible.

'I would also ask for anyone who may know Mr Shaukat's whereabouts to contact us, or anyone who may have seen the collision or a Transit van in the area around the time of the incident.'